Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Umang Vohra, MD and Global CEO Cipla Ltd. said: This agreement will enable Cipla to
provide affordable vaccines for a chronic disease like Hepatitis B. Ciplas strong marketing
network and reach will ensure maximum accessibility of the vaccines in India.
In India, around 40 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B. This infection is
responsible for 70% of chronic hepatitis and 80% of liver cirrhosis. Hepatitis B is spread
through contact with an infected persons blood and body fluids. At risk are all those who are
not vaccinated against the infection. Since 2002 the Hepatitis B vaccine has been a part of Indias
Universal Immunization Programme. This vaccine is able to protect 95% of recipients from
developing chronic Hepatitis B. The vaccine is given in three doses that include one after the
first month of the first dose and the second after 6 months post the first dose. The vaccine can
protect the recipient from this infection for decades. In addition, it is expected to bring down the
number of cases of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.